Right now, I’m really weighing the pros and cons of seller financing with a longer-term payout versus doing a 1031 exchange—particularly when it comes to tax implications and overall lifestyle alignment.

Operators systematize first impressions by:Design Strategy: Hire a short-term rental interior designer (not just a stager) who understands flow, photogenic layouts, and Instagrammable moments.Photography Package: Invest in professional HDR photography + lifestyle shots (guests using the firepit, coffee mugs on the deck, etc.).Exterior Systems: Seasonal landscaping contracts, pressure washing schedules, and lighting plans to ensure the home is always photo-ready.Listing Optimization: A/B test lead photos quarterly (e.g., pool shot vs. firepit shot) and measure CTR against competitors in your market.System: Quarterly Design & Photo Audit Checklist — every 90 days, review your top 5 competitor listings and update your lead photo, titles, and descriptions to stay visually competitive.2.

Stocks have their place too, but a well-performing STR can outpace S&P returns and give you more control along the way.All depends on your goals, but if cash flow and some lifestyle perks sound appealing, another property might be worth running the numbers on.Happy to share what I’ve learned if you're curious about the short-term rental side.

Lifestyle-driven decisions is exactly what I was advocating for.

SFH)Higher management and maintenance costs (more tenants = more wear and tear)Depending on the unit mix, SFHs may attract longer-term tenants and require fewer turnovers.As for out-of-state investing, think seriously about the time, energy, and lifestyle it requires.

I’m willing to sacrifice lifestyle now to set myself up for the future.Here are some details about my situation and questions I’d love feedback on:Finances:Current salary ~$70K, plus some side income from a part-time job ($10–15K/year).Plan to max out my Roth IRA and invest in my 457 retirement plan, but also set aside most of my money for real estate.Currently saving aggressively (shooting for $30–45K by next year).

Congrats on saving up for your first rental, Andrew—that’s a big milestone already 👏 I think it’s smart that you’re talking with REI now and also taking the Lifestyles Unlimited course.

If you're not looking to have kids now, my recommendation is going barbell lifestyle; scrounge daily with low rent, low expenses+ travel scenically, r&r extravagantly to balance the beam.

*Track your numbers religiously-good data will guide your next move better than gut feelings alone.* Learn from others’ mistakes.

As a college student, you would have a good opportunity for rent by the room, and it is not a huge change in lifestyle.